Meghan Markle features in regal portrait for BRIT Awards tribute

Meghan Markle features in regal portrait for BRIT Awards tribute

Music royalty met real-life royalty at the BRIT Awards on Thursday. Beyoncé and Jay-Z (AKA The Carters) won the honour of Best International Group at the U.K.-based music awards, and although they weren’t present at the ceremony, they made up for their absence with an epic video where they delivered brief acceptance speech in front of a regal portrait of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

n their acceptance speech, Beyoncé and JAY-Z recreate their music video for “APES—,” in which they pose in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” However, in the world-famous painting’s place is a portrait of Duchess Meghan donning a sparkling crown and pearl necklaces.

“Thank you so much to the BRIT Award for this incredible honour,” Beyoncé says to the camera at the start of the video. “You guys have always been so supportive. Everything is love, thank you.” JAY-Z then follows up with “You’re welcome” before they turn and face the portrait.

The use of Duchess Meghan’s image may be the Carters subtly expressing their support: British media has been more critical of Markle than other royals in recent months.

While the 2019 Brit Awards are taking place at The O2 Arena in London, the expecting Duchess of Sussex is in New York City. On Wednesday, she was joined by her closest pals, including Amal Clooney, for a baby shower in the city.

Amal Clooney exits after a baby shower for Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the Mark Hotel in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., February 20, 2019. Photo Credit: REUTERS/Andrew Kelly